Ballymena Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

Ballymena
Glenarm Castle
Cushendun Caves
People's Park
IMC Cinema BALLYMENA
Ballymena

Recommended stays in Ballymena

Discover the most popular places to stay in Ballymena, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

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Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena

Adair Arms Hotel

8.5/10101 Reviews

Guest User: Hotel very clean.. Staff really helpful.. Only had breakfast it was everything you needed. Car park at the back of the hotel.. Close to all the shops

1-7 Ballymoney Rd

From SGD 150

Galgorm in Ballymena

Galgorm

9.2/10100 Reviews

Guest User: 10/10 amazing spa, hotel and we stayed in the cottages, home from home and beside the spa. Highly recommend with amazing views over the river.

136 Fenaghy Rd

From SGD 327

The Upper Room in Ballymena

The Upper Room

8.3/1036 Reviews

Andresa: Good place, good location

25 Greenvale Street

From SGD 622

Must-try food in Ballymena

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Ballymena dishes and foodie spots.

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Western cuisine

Quick bites

Coffee shop

Recent events and experiences in Ballymena

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Wicked The Musical - London event in Ballymena

From SGD 52

London

Aug 1, 2016-Dec 31, 2099

Wicked The Musical - London

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong event in Ballymena

From SGD 126

London

Dec 18, 2026-Jan 23, 2027

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

Titaníque - London event in Ballymena

From SGD 65

London

Jul 1, 2026-Jan 3, 2027

Titaníque - London

London | The Musical <Beetlejuice> event in Ballymena

From SGD 52

London

May 20, 2026-Apr 17, 2027

London | The Musical <Beetlejuice>

YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2027 event in Ballymena

Birmingham

Mar 4, 2027-Mar 14, 2027

YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2027

Traveller photos and experiences

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Stunning Fishing Village in Northern Ireland! Carnlough = A Hidden Gem on the Antrim Coast — traveler post in Ballymena

Stunning Fishing Village in Northern Ireland! Carnlough = A Hidden Gem on the Antrim Coast

"Small fishing village, big surprises!" ✨Carnlough, a lost pearl on the Antrim Coast of the Antrim Gorge🏖️ A must-visit hidden gem on the A2 Coastal Road self-drive route! Before everyone finds out, save it quickly~ 🌊【Complete Travel Guide】 🏘️ Basic Overview: · Only a 40-minute drive from Belfast🚗 · A mysterious fishing village nestled among mountains, facing the Atlantic Ocean · Population under 1,000, far from tourist crowds · Crescent-shaped natural harbor + Victorian-style white cottages, like a fairy tale🏡 📸 Must-Visit Spots: 📍 Carnlough Harbour · 🤳 Photo rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ · The black and white striped lighthouse is a must-shoot landmark⚓ · 19th-century old pier, now filled with fishing boats · Both the shoreline and cliff trails offer amazing photo opportunities! 🌉 Glendun Viaduct · 🤩 Stunning views: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ · Historic stone arch railway bridge built in 1839 · A popular hidden spot deep in the valley · One of the filming locations for "Game of Thrones"! 🥾 Beach Hiking · Quiet pebble beach with few people · Coastal path leading straight to Fair Head cliffs · A paradise for rock climbing enthusiasts🧗‍♀️ 🍽️ Special Experiences: · Must-try Irish seafood platter🦞 · Recommended: seafood feast at the "Harbour Tavern" · If lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of the Scottish coastline🏴 📌 Practical Tips: For navigation, enter: Carnlough, County Antrim

LOUISE GLOVERLOUISE GLOVER
Maine Riverside Walk – Riverside calm & local charm in County Antrim — traveler post in Ballymena

Maine Riverside Walk – Riverside calm & local charm in County Antrim

#mytraveldiary Ambience & Setting The Maine Riverside Walk winds along the banks of the River Maine between Cullybackey and Galgorm, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It’s a gentle, easy route — a quiet green river corridor framed by mature trees, woodlands, restored ponds and views across fields. In many places you walk under tree canopy and beside water; light dappled through leaves, birds flitting, rustle of the river — the sense is peaceful, restorative. ⸻ Highlights · A roughly 3.1 km loop trail beginning and ending in Cullybackey.  · Wooden footpaths and restored ponds, especially part of the Millennium Woodland, which add texture and interest to the river walk.  · Mature woodland sections and riverside stretches, ideal for birdwatching, casual walkers, families or people wanting a gentle outing.  · Signposted path, with information boards at both ends in Cullybackey and Galgorm, giving context and way-finding.  ⸻ Practical Info · Location: Cullybackey ↔ Galgorm, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.  · Trail Length & Time: About 3.1 km; one loop takes roughly 40–50 minutes at a steady pace.  · Difficulty: Easy. Mostly level, well-maintained paths; suitable for most fitness levels. Some parts may get muddy in wet weather.  · Facilities / Access:   – Parking available in Cullybackey (near Spar shop on Main Street) and at Galgorm (near the rear of Galgorm Resort & Spa).    – Signage and information boards at both ends.    – Some parts may be less accessible in very wet conditions.  ⸻ Why It’s Worth Visiting Because the Maine Riverside Walk offers a chance to reconnect with nature without travelling far or tackling difficult terrain. If you want a scenic stroll, some fresh air, calm river views, woodland quiet, or a place to walk the dog or just unwind, this delivers. It’s also good for locals and visitors alike, especially for a morning or late-afternoon walk when light and mood are softer. ⸻ Final Thoughts If I were you, I’d go during spring or autumn for the best colours and fewer bugs. Take waterproof shoes just in case of muddy sections. Start from either end depending on where you are staying. Bring a camera or phone to pause at ponds or views. And allow extra time — even though it’s short, lingering by the river or under trees makes it feel bigger and more memorable.

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Giant road trip! — traveler post in Ballymena

Giant road trip!

⚔️Carnlough Harbour (Braavos) · Location: Carnlough, County Antrim · Scene: Arya Stark crawls out of the water after being stabbed by the Waif (Season 6). · Stop Tip: Park near the harbour and walk along the stone steps for a quick GoT photo spot. · Detour: It’s only a small diversion between Glenariff and Cushendun. 🐺 Cushendun Caves (Melisandre’s Shadow Birth) · Location: Cushendun, near the village centre · Scene: Melisandre gives birth to the shadow assassin (Season 2, with Stannis). · Stop Tip: Short walk from the car park to the caves, right off the coast—very atmospheric. 🌳 The Dark Hedges (Kingsroad) · Location: Bregagh Road, near Ballymoney (a bit inland from the Causeway) · Scene: Arya travels the Kingsroad in Season 2. · Stop Tip: Best visited early morning or late evening for fewer crowds. It’s a ~20-minute detour from Giant’s Causeway. #travel #travel #couplestrip #staycation #naturalwonders #thingstodo #seascapes #familytravel The Giant’s Causeway Arrive late afternoon as crowds thin—ideal lighting. Walk the basalt columns, enjoy visitor centre & coastal views

Clara177Clara177
Coastal Charm in Carnlough — traveler post in Ballymena

Coastal Charm in Carnlough

#springwander Tucked along the Antrim Coast, Carnlough is a peaceful gem where spring brings fresh sea air and blooming harbor views. With its Game of Thrones fame and local warmth, it’s perfect for a laid-back escape. Things to do: · Walk the scenic harbor used in Game of Thrones. · Enjoy a quiet coffee by the sea. Tips: · Visit in the morning for calm waters and great light for photos. #couplestrip #thingstodo #myitinerary #travel #naturalwonders

JayJJJayyJayJJJayy
🌟 Ballymena's Best: Galgorm's Spa Getaway 🛁✨ — traveler post in Ballymena

🌟 Ballymena's Best: Galgorm's Spa Getaway 🛁✨

🏨 Galgorm 136 Fenaghy Rd, Ballymena, BT42 1EA, United Kingdom 🛌 Nestled by the riverside, Galgorm is your slice of serenity in Ballymena. Imagine unwinding in a cottage that feels just like home, only steps away from a world-class spa. 🌿 🧖‍♀️ The spa is the crown jewel, earning a perfect score from guests who can't get enough of the pampering. It's not just a spa; it's an experience, with views that stretch over the river to soothe your soul as much as the treatments soothe your body. 💆‍♂️ 🏞️ Beyond the spa, Galgorm's setting is a picturesque dream, with the kind of scenery that postcards are jealous of. It's the perfect backdrop for that rejuvenating getaway you've been dreaming of. 📸 # Ballymena # BallymenaHotel # BallymenaTravel

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What people are saying about Ballymena

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Titanic Belfast

A historic place especially for those departed love ones. It's a great place because we actually know how it built.

Vedda Kristie ArabejoVedda Kristie Arabejo

Glenarm Castle

Glenarm (meaning: Army Valley) is a village in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is located on the North Channel coast north of the town of Larne. There is a Glenarm Castle in the center of the village. There is an Irish St. Patrick's Church on the north coast at the entrance of Glenarm village, surrounded by a cemetery.

sculptorsculptor

Edinburgh Castle

The weather was extremely kind to us that day. We had a superb tour guide Davy, he was funny and knew how to keep us hooked through the different stories and highlights. Meeting and Pick up was fuss free too! Highly recommend

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The Dark Hedges

The scenery here is very unique, it is really bizarre and mysterious. It is famous because of the Game of Thrones. It is said to have hundreds of years of history. It is not very long, so you can take your time to visit it!

爱梦媛爱梦媛

Edinburgh Old Town

🏴 Exploring the Beautiful City of Edinburgh, Scotland! ❤️🏰What an amazing experience exploring the historic streets of Edinburgh! From the magnificent Edinburgh Castle to the stunning architecture and charming old stone buildings, every corner tells a story of Scotland's rich history and culture.Walking through the beautiful Old Town, surrounded by historic buildings, breathtaking views and lively streets, felt like stepping back in time. The atmosphere, the architecture and the beauty of this city make it truly unforgettable.Scotland, you are full of history, charm and magic! A beautiful destination and a wonderful memory. ❤️

Girish9400Girish9400

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse was easily one of the highlights of my time in Edinburgh. Located right at the end of the Royal Mile, it offers a fascinating contrast to the medieval drama of Edinburgh Castle, providing a much more intimate glimpse into British and Scottish royal history.

Anonymous userAnonymous user

Destinations near Ballymena

Liverpool travel destination

Liverpool

1 hr 12 mins

Recommended trip: 1–3 day(s)

Belfast travel destination

Belfast

36 mins

Recommended trip: 2–3 day(s)

Edinburgh travel destination

Edinburgh

1 hr 18 mins

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

Scotland travel destination

Scotland

1 hr 48 mins

Recommended trip: 4–7 day(s)

Glasgow travel destination

Glasgow

1 hr 12 mins

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)